Why in the News?

The Central Information Commission has powers to constitute benches and frame regulations, the Supreme Court has said while observing that the autonomy of CIC is of paramount importance for its effective functioning.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• About CIC (Objective, Structure, Tenure, Functions, Powers, etc.)
• News Summary

About Chief Information Commission (CIC):

• The Chief Information Commission of India is a statutory body that plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government.
• It was established under the Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005, which empowers citizens to request information from public authorities to promote openness and curb corruption.
• Key Features:
• Establishment and Structure:
  • The CIC is constituted by the Central Government and consists of the Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners.
• Appointment:
  • The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of a committee consisting of:
    • Prime Minister,
    • Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and
    • Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
• Tenure:
• The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners hold office for a term of up to five years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
• Functions and Powers:
  • Adjudication: The CIC acts as a quasi-judicial body that hears appeals and complaints regarding the RTI Act.
    • It has the power to order public authorities to provide information, impose penalties on erring officials, and ensure compliance with the RTI Act.
  • Advisory Role: The Commission advises public authorities on implementing and following the RTI Act effectively.
  • Promotion of RTI: It conducts programs to promote transparency and educate citizens about their right to information.
  • Appeal and Complaint Mechanism:
    • Citizens who are not satisfied with the response from a Public Information Officer (PIO) can file an appeal with the First Appellate Authority.
    • If still unsatisfied, they can approach the CIC for a final appeal or lodge a complaint.
• Public Authorities' Compliance:
  • All public authorities are required to appoint PIOs and provide information to applicants within 30 days.
  • The CIC ensures that these authorities comply with the provisions of the RTI Act.

Significance of the CIC:

• Enhancing Transparency: The CIC plays a pivotal role in promoting transparency in government operations, making information accessible to the public.
• Empowering Citizens: It empowers citizens by providing them with the tools to seek information and hold the government accountable.
• Curbing Corruption: By ensuring that information is accessible, the CIC helps in reducing corruption and improving governance.

Powers of Chief Information Commission:

• The Supreme Court of India has affirmed that the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) has the authority to form benches and establish regulations to effectively manage the Central Information Commission under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
• This decision overturns a previous Delhi High Court ruling which had limited the CIC’s powers.
• The Supreme Court emphasized that administrative bodies need autonomy to set and implement internal procedures without restrictive interpretations that could undermine their functions.
• The Supreme Court advocated for a broader interpretation of the RTI Act, aligning with its goals of promoting transparency and accountability in public authorities.
• The court noted that the CIC's regulations, regardless of their nomenclature, are essential for the effective management of its affairs and must be respected to maintain the Commission’s autonomy.
• This ruling underscore the importance of the CIC’s independence in handling the high volume of RTI cases and ensures that it can operate without undue external interference.